Star Trek/Doctor Who Assimilation 2 #4 Review


Following on from previous issues, the plot really comes together in Star Trek Doctor Who Assimilation #4. This isn’t very action heavy, but this is expected given the nature of the two titles.

First, the official description from IDW:

The biggest science-fiction crossover of all time continues, in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION/DOCTOR WHO: ASSIMILATION2! As the CyberBorg continue to carve a swath of destruction across the galaxy, the Federation is met with the possibility of assistance, but from an unthinkable source!  Will Captain Picard and the Doctor agree to an alliance that could be worse than the enemy they face?

This issue doesn’t offer much in the way of anything new but it’s certainly interesting none the less. Given the nature of the cross over, a lot of the enjoyment here is through the interactions between the Doctor and Picard. They are, at times, very similar characters, yet their differences between both themselves and their respective settings is at the core of this issue. This is further reflected through the Cybermen and Borg.

The downside to this is that there are a few surplus characters. Amy and Rory in particular, have little to do as the Doctor’s companions. This issue does what it can to give them certain moments, but it honestly isn’t needed. Given the interaction between the Doctor and Picard, most other characters quite happily take the back seat here. That being said, some of the Star Trek cast are portrayed well enough. Riker, in particular, is written well as Picard’s adviser; a role that is hinted, but not really shown, for the Doctor’s companions.

As for the artwork, its still very questionable. Whilst some people may find the lack of detail or definition troublesome, it does have its charm on certain pages. Unfortunately a few inconsistencies make it from being entirely enjoyable. There’s more than one large panel where the Doctor’s jacket is blurred over, yet a lot of attention seems to have been made on his shirt. Its these inconsistencies that appear on second readings; why isn’t this much attention paid all over the character, yet alone the backgrounds and backdrops? In short, it might not suit everyone.

All in all, however, Star Trek Doctor Who Assimilation #4 is highly enjoyable. The last moments of this issue certainly make the next look tense, and show an insightful perspective into the two distinct settings and histories.

 

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